Abstract :
Sandwich composite is a type of composite that has a high strength when
used as a primary or secondary structure. Composites also have advantages from
its mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, small density and a relative
simple manufacturing process. This study aimed to investigate the effect of volume
fraction variations at sugar palm tree fiber skin and ?sengon laut? wood saw
waste core on the bend strength sandwich composite with polyester matrix.
The materials of this study were sugar palm tree fiber, unsaturated
polyester resin 157 BQTN-EX, ?sengon laut? wood saw waste and urea
formaldehyde. This specimen was made by press printing method with 2 mm skin
thickness and 10 mm core thickness. This sandwich composite bending test refers
to ASTM standard D-790-03. The method used in the composite manufacturing
process was hand lay-up method.
The results of this study showed that bending strength increased from
volume fraction 20%:80% variations to volume fraction of 40%:60% variations,
with the highest maximum stress value of 54,87 N/mm
2
was at 40%:60%
variations. Based on this, it could be concluded that the addition of fiber affects
the value of the bending strength. The result from morphology test shown that
void was found at the specimen surface at 30%:70% variation which could
happen because of the imperfection manufacture process and human error